African content on streaming platforms is sometimes overlooked, but the continent has produced tonnes of exciting movies, series, reality shows and documentaries that could set you off on a bingeing spree.
We suggest five African gems on Showmax that you can tuck into right away – if you have time, that is.
1. The Real Housewives of Lagos S1
The Real Housewives of Lagos S1 has already set a new record for the most first-day views on Showmax in Nigeria. It also topped trending charts on Twitter in both Nigeria and South Africa soon after it premiered.
The hit reality TV show features an intriguing cast that includes businesswoman Carolyna Hutchings, lawyer and luxury hair brand owner Chioma Ikokwu, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, influencer Laura Ikeji-Kanu, PR expert Mariam Timmer, and celebrity stylist Toyin Lawani-Adebayo.
2. Waiting for Goldman
In this short action comedy flick, Mikey and Clinton have been assigned to kill financial broker Ivan Goldman. The only problem is, they’re not sure what he looks like. SAFTA nominees David Isaacs (Hotel, Dwaalster) and De Klerk Oelofse (Hotel, Kanarie) star as the hapless hitmen.
Winner of four international awards, Waiting for Goldman is written and directed by double SAFTA winner Ari Kruger, who co-created Tali’s Wedding Diary and its sequel Tali’s Baby Diary, as well as SuzelleDIY. His previous hitman-centred short film, Jakkals13, was a Vimeo Staff Pick.
3. Umkhokha
If you’re down for unending family drama, Mzansi Magic‘s Umkhoka follows the bitter feud between two families vying for control of a church after the untimely death of its leader.
It features a stellar cast that includes 2022 DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards nominee Deli Malinga, who stars as the formidable MaMzobe, a woman determined to hang on to her family’s legacy at any cost, as well as Avanti Award winner S’Thandiwe Kgoroge and triple SAFTA winner Linda Sokhulu.
4. Last Blue Ride
True crime documentary Last Blue Ride recounts the 11-hour hell-ride of Stellenbosch students Hannah Cornelius and Cheslin Marsh in 2017. While Marsh survived a near-fatal assault, Cornelius was brutally murdered – age 21. The case made international headlines.
Alongside an interview with Marsh, Last Blue Ride features CCTV footage from the night alongside a recreation of that hell-ride, narrated by director and journalist Anthony Molyneaux. There’s also footage from Cornelius’ funeral and the subsequent court case, where it is revealed that the attackers were members of the notorious prison gang called the Numbers.
5. Welcome To The Family
Here’s one for romantic comedy fans. Welcome to the Family centres on Palesa, who has barely said “yes” to her boyfriend’s marriage proposal when she finds herself dragged along to his family home in KwaZulu-Natal, where she discovers that she is about to marry into an over-the-top, wealthy family led by two overbearing, controlling and hard-to-please monster-in-laws.
Written by Nandisa Mkize (Umakoti Wethu) and directed by Nthabiseng Tau (Isidingo director and Muvhango’s Meiki), Welcome to the Family stars Nolo Seabi, Siphesihle Vazi, triple SAFTA winner Linda Sebezo, Deli Malinga, Zakhele Msibi and Bongiwe Ngidi.